Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jul 2007
Source: New Haven Register (CT)
Copyright: 2007 New Haven Register
Contact:  http://www.nhregister.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/292
Author: Luther Turmelle, North Bureau Chief
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

WALLINGFORD TO CONSIDER DRUG TESTING FOR ATHLETES

WALLINGFORD -- Board of Education member Nicholas  Economopoulos is 
asking school district officials to  consider drug testing for 
students who take part in  sports and other extracurricular activities.

Economopoulos made a formal request Monday night to  have the item 
placed on an agenda for the board's  policy committee. Such a request 
is necessary if the  full board is to consider making it a district policy.

Economopoulos, a Democrat, is seeking a spot on his  party's Town 
Council ticket.

"I'd like to see it passed before I leave the board,"  said 
Economopoulos, who said his request is not  motivated by November's 
municipal elections.

"I just feel it's hypocritical to spend all this time  on nutrition 
in our schools and not address the issue  of drugs."

But board Chairman Thomas Hennessey acknowledged that  drug use must 
be addressed, but in a careful and  thoughtful manner.

"I'm not rushing into it because it's something that we  need to look 
at all the pros and cons," Hennessey said  following the meeting. 
"This is not a board that is a  stranger to controversy. But we have 
to look at all the  costs involved."

That includes the cost of drug testing, which Hennessey  estimated to 
be $200 to $300 per test.

Parent Joanne Robertson spoke in favor of testing  athletes for 
drugs, alcohol and performance-enhancing  drugs, such as steroids.

"The athletes are looked up to by the other students,"  Robertson 
said after voicing her support of testing to  the board.

"It's a double-edged sword, though, because there are  some kids who 
only keep coming to school so they can  play sports. You'd have to 
consider what would happen  to them."

Robertson said that Economopoulos "has always been a  magnet for 
controversy," but added that she believes  that this is not part of 
his effort to gain a seat on  the Town Council.

"My gut feeling is that he has the best interests of  the kids at 
heart with this," Robertson said.

Hennessey, a Republican, said to nobody in particular  as he left the 
meeting, "I'm sure it will be an issue  throughout the election season."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman